Tuesday, November 19, 2019

SERVING UP LOVE Collection (multiple authors), Reviewed by Trixi, Paula and Winnie!



TRIXI'S REVIEW:
In this novella collection, we meet four women from different walks of life who become Harvey House girls. This is a time in history that is especially fascinating to me because it's a turning point for women to pursue a career other than marriage and motherhood. I love the true story of how Fred Harvey opened up Harvey Houses all around the country, therefore providing opportunities for these women to find independence and sustain themselves financially. When I had a chance to read and review this book, I couldn't respond fast enough! Plus, these are written by four powerhouse historical fiction authors and knew I would enjoy each story.

In “A Flood of Love” by Tracie Perterson we meet Gretchen Gottsacker and Dirk Martinez. They have a past history together as he left on the eve of proposing to her ten years prior when something went awry and changed both of their lives. I love second chance love stories and how God gave them both a chance to make amends, forgive, move past the pain and start over again. Dirk's daughter Katiann is such a sweet addition to the story! Her prayer for a mama was fulfilled in the most special way.

In “More Than a Pretty Face” by Karen Witemeyer we meet Rosalind Kemp and Caleb Durrington. I love the overall lesson Rosalind learns that her past doesn't define her and God willingly gives second chances. Caleb was the perfect hero for her and showed her gentle love and acceptance of who she is.

In “Intrigue a la Mode” by Regina Jennings we meet Willow Kentworth and Graham Buchanan. This one was fun because Jennings threw in a bit of a mystery thread to the mix along with the romance between these two!

Finally in “A Grand Adventure” by Jen Turano we meet Myrtle Schermerhorn and Jack Daggett. I love the fact that this was set in the Grand Canyon area of Arizona—a place I hope to visit one day, I've heard it's a spectacular sight! At first Jack is the strong silent type, admiring Myrtle from afar until his younger brother Walter breaks the ice. Though Jack often blunders the romantic pursuit, he's still quite charming! They both hide secrets from one another that almost ruin it, but God works out all the kinks at the end. I also loved the double romance in this one!

These were charming short love stories still packed plenty with faith, second chances, and penned by four of the best authors I could recommend to any reader! You will even find a bit of wit and humor in the most unexpected places to make you smile.
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House on behalf of the authors and was under no obligation to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *


PAULA'S REVIEW:
Serving up Love a Four-in-one Harvey House Brides Collection has stories by four of my favorite historical romantic comedy authors.

A FLOOD OF LOVE by Tracie Peterson. Ms. Peterson always delights with her settings and characters. This story Is set in San Marcial, New Mexico and is based on a real flood that happened in 1929. Gretchen and Dirk end up back in San Marcial ten years after parting. Dirk now has a precocious 9 year old daughter, Katiann, who is hard on nannies and is praying for a mama. Full of colorful characters of the Old West, this story is exciting and fun-filled and shows trust in God.

MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE by Karen Witemeyer. Fans of Ms. Witemeyer’s More Than Words Can Say will be glad to read about Abby’s sister, Rosalind Kemp, and her time as a Harvey Girl in Gainesviile, Texas. She is content in her position until her past comes back to haunt her and threatens her new romance with Caleb Durrington, a young lawyer. Ms. Witemeyer’s signature wit melds with her always interesting story. Then she wraps it up with panache in an ending full of forgiveness.

INTRIGUE A LA MODE by Regina Jennings. A mystery keeps getting more mysterious when a new busboy isn’t who he seems to be. Willow Kentworth knows something is unusual when she has to collect empty liquor bottles from the street every morning. It is puzzling since Emporia, Kansas is a dry town in 1898. Family and romance are important to Willow but so is loyalty to Harvey House. Ms. Jennings brings unique characters and an intriguing plot to this novella.

GRAND ENCOUNTERS by Jen Turano- Grand Canyon, Arizona, 1908. Lots of fun in this story about a society darling who becomes a Harvey Girl after being jilted. Ms. Turano has given us more madcap characters sure to tickle your funny bone, her concluding scenes are the best!

These trips back in time with the Harvey Girls make for enjoyable reading by some of my favorite authors of Romantic Christian Fiction.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of one of the authors. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*


WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Serving Up Love is a delightful collection of novellas by some of my favorite authors. I’ve read books by all of these authors before and loved them, so I was quite sure I’d enjoy these stories. I wasn’t disappointed. Although the stories were short, they were full of action, history, romance, with a dash of inspiration. The characters were colorful and endearing, and I was fascinated by the historical tidbits I picked up about the Harvey House Girls and the part they played in the history of the United States. I’d heard of the Harvey Houses before, but wasn’t very familiar with them, the people they employed, or the services they offered to train travelers.

The authors did a great job of making the collection feel cohesive, yet unique. I’d recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction novellas. I’m looking forward to more books from these excellent authors.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.


BackCover Blurb:
Bestselling novelist Tracie Peterson joins Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano in this collection of four novellas, each featuring a Harvey Girl heroine. From Kansas to Texas, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico, the stories cross the country with tales of sweet romance and entertaining 
history.

Available in digital ebook, paperback and hardcover:
Buy Serving Up Love at Amazon
Buy Serving Up Love at Christianbook.com

2 comments:

  1. This book sounds like a Great book with stories from awesome authors! Thank you so much for sharing the book reviews. aliciabhaney@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've long loved the whole Harvey Girl concept and the history of hospitality as cross-country travel became popular. This sounds like a great collection!

    ReplyDelete

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